Preparations

It is important to note that when we reference a “fid” or a number of “fid lengths” within these splicing instructions, we are referring to a “full fid length” which is calculated at 21 x the rope diameter. If you are using fids for your measurements, you must be sure to account for the type of fid you are using i.e. “half 10.5x, long 14x or full fids 21x”.

Stage 5 – The ABL Lock-stitch

Step 1

2

3

4

5

6

The ABL lock stitch starts by threading the needle through the centre of the rope 6 picks away from the “crossover mark”. As you make the stitches, try to avoid threading the nylon twine through the centre of the strands, instead, weave between them as much as possible (see step 4).

Thread the needle back and forth through the centre of the rope every 2 picks until 3 stitches have been made on each side of the of the crossover point.

Another view of the stitching to up to the halfway point.

This is a closeup of the 2 pick spacing.

Stitch back through the way you came with the new stitches closing the gaps. Tie the two ends of the nylon thread together with a secure knot and trim the excess thread to finish the lock-stitch. Or, alternatively you can cut and singe the ends of the nylon thread.